Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-03

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how a mechanical arm works, and how the joints that make up the arm function in the same way as those in a human arm. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

There is a diagram illustrating the mechanism of a mechanical arm. It also shows how different junctions of this arm mimic the human arm. Basically, the tool is driven by three motors that in turn are properly controlled by a computer.

The first motor is located at one end of the machine, named 'gripper.' This part possesses a built-in sensor that modulates force. Different kinds of actions can be performed by this part, including spraying paint, drilling holes, and welding metals.

The 'elbow' part of the arm is controlled by the second motor. It resembles the human arm, providing mobility and flexibility.

The third motor, attached to the base, allows the hardware to rotate. This section is called as 'pivot' that act as human shoulder.

As a whole, these three active parts are assembled on a base. Although the stage is static generally, can be moved often. The tool is similar to a human hand, not only in appearance but also in working method.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the mechanical arm and made relevant comparisons to the human arm. You covered the three motors and their respective functions (gripper, elbow, and pivot) as requested. However, the response lacks a clear overview or summary paragraph that synthesizes the information. While you mention the tool is similar to a human hand, a more comprehensive summary of the overall mechanism would have strengthened the response. The information is relevant, but some parts, such as the description of the base, could be more detailed to fully address the diagram's complexity.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, each focusing on a specific part of the mechanical arm. You use some cohesive devices such as 'The first motor', 'The 'elbow' part', and 'The third motor' to guide the reader. However, the transition between the description of the parts and the final paragraph is slightly abrupt. Some cohesive links are a bit mechanical, and the use of 'As a whole' at the start of the final paragraph is a good attempt at signaling a summary, but the overall flow could be improved with more varied linking words to connect the ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'modulates', 'flexibility', and 'assembled'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'This section is called as 'pivot'', where 'called' should not be followed by 'as'. Additionally, 'the stage is static generally' is slightly awkward phrasing. While you successfully use technical terms related to the diagram, the range is somewhat limited, and you rely on fairly simple descriptors. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise verbs and adjectives would help elevate your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'that act as human shoulder' (should be 'acts as a human shoulder') and 'can be moved often' (missing a subject, e.g., 'it can be moved'). The sentence 'This section is called as 'pivot' that act as human shoulder' contains multiple errors in subject-verb agreement and preposition usage. While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding your meaning, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall accuracy of the writing.

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